Swimmer dies after speedboat crash in Corfu

A BRITISH mother of four died in Corfu yesterday after being hit by a speedboat while swimming in shallow waters.

Claire Glatman, 60, suffered fatal injuries to her legs caused by the boat’s propeller as she was hit off Avlaki beach, on the northeast coast, where she owned a villa. Her body was discovered by another bather.

Authorities said they were questioning dozens of swimmers in the area in an effort to identify the owner and driver of the boat, who did not stop at the scene.

Mrs Glatman, of Bedale, N Yorks, was on holiday with her husband, Mark, 63, and one of their two daughters. The couple, who also have two sons, are understood to have fallen in love with the area while on holiday around seven years ago. The family is well known amongst the expat community.

Bibi Tyszkiewicz wrote on Facebook: “She was an absolutely lovely woman Very much loved on this island. This is (a) huge tragedy.”

Julie Evans added: “I’m so, so sorry, my thoughts are with her family, she was a very good and genuinely nice person. God bless, RIP.”

One friend, who did not want to be identified, told The Daily Telegraph that Mrs Glatman, who has a twin sister, was an experienced swimmer. She was a trustee of the Hospital Of St Michael The Archangel in Bedale.

Mr Glatman, a solicitor and property developer, is believed to be the son of Leslie Glatman who co-managed Viners of Sheffield, the cutlery manufacturer. The couple’s children declined to comment.

It is not known whether the boat’s skipper was aware what had happened. One local report suggested the boat was being used to pull a water skier. No arrests have been made.

Several hours after the accident, a “suspicious” boat was pulled out at Gouvia Marina, around 17 miles from the accident site, for forensic examination, according to local news site Enimerosi. Two people on board were said to be giving statements.

Several locals suggested on social media that it had been an accident waiting to happen and said swimmers should be protected from the many boats and jet skis by floating barriers.